Fire and its impacts

The behaviour of fires changes with wind, slope, fuels and aspect and whether it is a head, flank or backing fire or indeed a ground fire. The effects of individual fires vary according to fire behaviour and the type and condition of the vegetation that is burnt. The fire regime affects vegetation and habitats in ways that are different from the effects of individual fires.

Practitioners should be aware of the potentially damaging impacts of different types of fire and of the overall fire regime. Appropriate fire prescriptions, fire regimes and subsequent land management should be used to avoid damage and maximise opportunities for recovery.